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be performed . Thanks to the absence of shock accelerations and low safety requirements , the Einstein-Elevator allows to conduct experiments with a low technology readiness level ( TRL ). After a coupled deceleration the gondola comes to a standstill at starting level . The next execution starts after a short preparation phase of less than 4 min . After completion of the campaign , a quick experiment exchange ensures a fast project turnaround time .
Core Facility Center The “ Hannover Center for Microgravity Research ” ( figure 2 ) supports external experiments and researchers with infrastructure to provide an excellent research environment . In addition to the mounting levels required to integrate the experimental setups into the experiment carrier system , other technical equipment can be used to operate the experiments inside the Einstein-Elevator . Highspeed and
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thermal camera systems as well as an advanced data acquisition system are tested for the use under the advanced acceleration conditions . The operation of the experiments is quite easy and fast due to its automation level . But the preparation of highly sensitive setups for high quality results is still time-consuming . In most cases , the personnel expenses required significantly exceeds the costs of performing the experiments . This is why the core facility center is so important for the support of external experiments . Depending on the project , the project consortium and the project sponsor , different types of cooperation can be established . Joint project application , project participation within work packages but also a pure service contract is possible . Everything starts with contacting the Einstein-Elevator operation team which is also in charge for the operation of the core facility center . |
▲ FIG . 2 : Arrangement of the Einstein- Elevator in the Hannover Institute of Technology . ( Credit : Leibniz University Hannover / Christoph Lotz )
▼ FIG . 3 : Research in the Einstein- Elevator : division of research topics ( Credit : Leibniz University Hannover / Christoph Lotz )
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Future Trends and Current Research Issues The Einstein-Elevator at the Hannover Center for Microgravity Research offers new research opportunities for a wide variety of research disciplines and topics . It provides access , technical support and equipment for external researchers . Therefore , the facility can be used across a range of topics and follow the trends of international research in the field of In Situ Research Utilisations ( ISRU ) technologies as well as high-precision quantum sensors are reflected in the focus of own research of the Leibniz University Hannover ( LUH ) own research ( figure 3 ). An example is the idea to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon or even Mars , driven forward internationally by private companies and governments . Essential components for a sustainable conquer of space include reducing the financial expenditure for transportation through the reusability of rockets and the possibility to build self-sustaining stations . The first issue has gained a lot of progress in the last 10 years due to privatisation in the U . S . space industry . However , for self-sustaining stations , there is a great need for international research in this area and many initiatives have been formed around this topic . Essentially , this involves material development , production technology , energy technology , nutrition sciences , but also key technologies in the field of sensors , robotics and AI . |
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